IPL 2025 is in full swing, and fantasy cricket fans across India are locked in fierce competition. With every match carrying weight, choosing the right players can make the difference between topping the leaderboard or fading into the background. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious newcomer, this breakdown of the best picks for your fantasy team—based on real-time form, impact, and value—can help you stay ahead of the game.
Key Weekly Picks (Updated: May 2025)
This week’s fantasy pool is full of high-performing stars, returning favorites, and underrated assets. Based on recent form and match conditions, here are the top recommendations by position.
Captains and Vice-Captains: High-Impact Selections
- Shubman Gill (GT) — Arguably the most consistent batsman this season. With regular 50+ scores and massive ownership across fantasy platforms, Gill remains a go-to captain pick.
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK) — Aggressive in the Powerplay, he’s delivering fast runs and doubling points through captaincy bonuses. A risk-taker’s favorite.
- Hardik Pandya (MI) — Now fully embracing his all-rounder role again. Effective with both bat and ball, Pandya is a tactical asset in any fantasy lineup.
These three aren’t just popular—they’re consistently producing big fantasy numbers. If you’re picking a captain or vice-captain, start here.
All-Rounders: Dual Threats You Can Rely On
- Ravindra Jadeja (CSK) — The ultimate utility player. With points coming from economy rate, wickets, and strike rate, he’s a steady contributor across all categories.
- Cameron Green (RCB) — Offers lineup flexibility. Whether opening or closing the innings, he’s capable of turning the tide with a quickfire 30 or a couple of late wickets.
All-rounders who deliver across departments are often the difference-makers in close contests. These two are doing just that.
Bowlers: Game-Changers with the Ball
- Jasprit Bumrah (MI) — Back from injury and bowling like he never left. Deadly in the final overs and reliable during the Powerplay, he’s a fantasy must-have.
- Yuzvendra Chahal (RR) — Still one of the most reliable wicket-takers in the league. Whether defending a total or applying mid-innings pressure, Chahal rarely walks away without points.
Wicket-takers not only rack up direct points—they often break partnerships that can swing fantasy results. These two are prime examples.
Batsmen: Consistency and Firepower
- Virat Kohli (RCB) — Age isn’t slowing him down. Especially strong at home, Kohli remains a steady and smart choice for top-order runs.
- Sanju Samson (RR) — A fearless starter who adds immediate value. Samson’s aggressive style makes him a great mid-range pick that doesn’t cost a fortune.
Fantasy cricket favors reliable openers and fearless finishers. These picks offer both.
Budget Picks: Value Players Doing the Job
- Riyan Parag (RR) — Cheap but effective, consistently bringing in 30–40 points per match. A smart pick if you’re running short on credits.
- Tilak Varma (MI) — The breakout performer from last year is now a dependable mid-budget option. Offers solid returns and balance to your squad.
Underrated doesn’t mean underperforming. These players are ideal for rounding out your squad without draining your budget.
Fantasy Team Strategy Tips
Winning in fantasy cricket isn’t just about picking stars—it’s about smart strategy. Keep these principles in mind as you build your team:
- Limit stacking players from one match: Avoid selecting more than 4–5 players from a single fixture. If rain cancels the match, you could lose most of your lineup’s potential points.
- Track injuries and squad rotations: Especially critical as the tournament progresses. Players could be rested or benched with little notice.
- Use captain change options wisely: Some platforms allow captain swaps after the toss. Use this feature to your advantage based on pitch reports and final playing XIs.
Your choices should reflect not just player performance but also timing, match conditions, and the bigger tournament picture.
